Shabazz Palaces At Iron Horse April 12

In retrospect, it's a bit hard to believe that it took this long for indie super-label Sub Pop to add a hip hop artist to its eclectic roster, but its new relationship with Shabazz Palaces seems to be a natural one.

The two share both the S.P. initials and their hometown (Seattle), but what makes the pairing most appropriate is Shabazz Palaces' unconventional approach to the genre. Described as "sonic movement" led by Ishmael Butler — he goes by the name Palaceer Lazaro here, and was formerly known as Butterfly in Digable Planets — with Tendai Maraire, son of Mbira master Dumisani Maraire. The duo's 2011 full-length debut eschewed traditional arrangements in favor of fractured beats, stream-of-consciousness-style lyrics and spacey keyboards. "Black Up" ended up as one of the most celebrated hip hop releases of the year.

Shabazz Palaces' first proper stateside tour comes to the Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center St. in Northampton, on Thursday, April 12. Tickets for the 10 p.m. show with Lushlife are $15. Information: 413-586-8686 or iheg.com.